NFL New York Jets

New York Jets Should Go All-in on Randall Cobb

Fresh Videos

By @GregSulik

randall cobb packers

Getty Images

The New York Jets have been lacking top playmakers for the last couple seasons, one of the biggest reasons they’ve struggled offensively. It remains to be seen if the Jets will be able to land a new quarterback this offseason, but one thing they can certainly  do is give whomever is under center better weapons.

This is a great year to need a wide receiver, as both the draft and the free agent market have plenty of quality options. However, since the Jets have several other key needs they could address at the top of the draft, targeting a top receiver in free agency makes sense. We know that Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas will both be franchised, but one player who seems likely to hit the open market is Randall Cobb.

The Green Bay Packers want to keep Cobb, but reports have indicated that they won’t be using the franchise tag on him. That creates the opportunity for a team to outbid the Packers, something the Jets have the ability to do. Once the team releases Percy Harvin they will have nearly $60 million in cap space, allowing them to make significant offers to the top free agents.

Cobb would certainly fit that bill, as he set new career highs with 91 catches for 1,287 yards and 12 touchdowns this season. Obviously playing with Aaron Rodgers in the Packers’ offense inflates his stats, a concern that was frequently brought up when the Jets signed Eric Decker last offseason. However, that doesn’t take away from his talent and his ability to improve the Jets’ passing game.

Although he wouldn’t put up the same numbers with the Jets, Cobb would give them the type of versatile weapon they need to improve their offense. Cobb primarily plays out of the slot in Green Bay, but he can handle being moved around the formation to create mismatches. With Decker, Cobb, Jeremy Kerley, and Jace Amaro, the Jets would have a very solid group of playmakers on the outside.

The Jets would likely have to make an offer even bigger than the one they gave Decker last season in order to land Cobb, but it is something they should strongly consider doing. Even if the Jets went into the season with Geno Smith at quarterback again, there is not any reasonable, non-injury scenario in which Cobb doesn’t noticeably improve the offense.

Just because you have a ton of cap space doesn’t mean you should spend it, but Cobb offers the Jets a very real chance to significantly improve their 32nd ranked passing offense. Personally, I expect Cobb will stay with the Packers when all is said and done. However, the Jets should take their best shot at prying him away and adding a much needed explosive receiver to their roster.

Greg Sulik is a New York Jets writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @GregSulik or add him to your network on Google

Share Tweet
Trending Now on